KONG TAO (蛊降) (2026)

Genre: Horror/Thriller
Director:  Yong Choon Lin, Goh Pei Chiek
Cast: Kao Supassara, Philip Keung, Bront Palarae, Glenn Yong, Yumi Wong, Ma Yi Duo, Eric Lay, Tony Eusoff, Freddie Wong, Dato' Chiah Chye Kee 
Runtime: 1 hr 31 mins
Rating: NC16 (Disturbing Scenes & Some Sexual References)
Released By: Golden Village Pictures
Official Website: 
Opening Day: 19 March 2026

Synopsis: Years after a horrifying incident in which a group of students mysteriously died at a school, the case was officially ruled a poisoning and quickly buried. But Fon, a determined journalist, believes something far darker was responsible. Convinced that black magic lies behind the tragedy, she begins an investigation that leads her into a shadowy world of curses, occult rituals, and hidden conspiracies. Her search soon intersects with four online video creators who travel to Thailand to explore local temples and supernatural folklore. Shortly after returning home, they begin experiencing terrifying accidents and unexplained deaths, leading Fon to suspect that they have become victims of a powerful curse. As the mystery deepens, Fon uncovers a sinister scheme involving a ruthless property developer who secretly uses black magic to terrorize villagers and seize valuable land. With the help of a revered monk who once confronted the sorcerer responsible, Fon and her allies must confront the forces behind the curse before more lives are lost…

Movie Review:

In Southeast Asia, few things are as deeply unsettling as the idea of being cursed by black magic — or “kong tao.” Rooted in regional folklore and whispered about in cautionary tales, it carries a uniquely visceral fear: the sense that something unseen can invade your body, warp your mind, and unravel your life from within. It’s a premise rich with cultural resonance, and on paper, Kong Tao, directed by Yong Choon Lin and Goh Pei Chiek, seems perfectly poised to tap into that primal dread for regional audiences.

The story follows a group of YouTubers (but of course) whose investigations into the region’s black magic activities takes a sinister turn after an encounter that invites something far more dangerous than they realise. Elsewhere, there is a Thai reporter determined to find out the truth behind a series of grisly incidents, and she pairs up with an expert in the research of black magic in Malaysia to uncover a scandal.

Where the film truly succeeds is in its sensory assault. The depiction of the curse is unflinching and often grotesque — crawling bugs, uncontrollable vomiting, streaks of blackened blood. It’s the kind of horror that feels almost tangible, as though you can smell the rot and decay through the screen. These sequences make the viewing experience uncomfortable in the most effective way.

Beyond the visual horror, Kong Tao also plays on a more psychological level. It quietly instils a sense of caution. You may find yourself thinking twice about picking up unfamiliar religious objects while travelling, making flippant remarks in sacred spaces, or even engaging too casually with strangers. The idea that something small and seemingly harmless could invite something sinister is one of the film’s most effective takeaways.

Unfortunately, the film’s strengths are undercut by uneven performances. Philip Keung delivers a solid turn but is given little to work with, making his presence amounting to nothing more than intense stares and fierce scowls. Glenn Yong fares similarly, with a role that never quite develops. Ma Yi Duo injects some comedic beats that momentarily lift the tension, while Eric Lay is convincingly sleazy as a smooth-talking opportunist whose intentions are anything but pure. On the other hand, Kao Supassara and Yumi Wong struggle with dialogue that often feels stiff and unnatural. Veteran Mark Lee brings a degree of credibility to his role as an unscrupulous property developer, grounding the film whenever he appears.

The multinational casting cannot fully compensate for some of the film’s structural issues. Certain sequences — particularly the climactic showdown between two masters of opposing forces — feel overly drawn out and are hampered by unsatisfactory CGI. Instead of amplifying the horror, these moments dilute the tension that the film works so hard to build.

In the end, Kong Tao is a film with a genuinely chilling core that occasionally loses its grip. When it leans into its cultural fears and visceral imagery, it is deeply effective. But inconsistent performances and overstretched set pieces prevent it from reaching its full terrifying potential.

Movie Rating:

(A chilling premise strong in atmosphere and imagery, though uneven performances and overstretched set pieces hold it back)

Review by John Li